Allergy Shots vs Allergy Drops – What’s best for your patients?
Your patients have options if they move forward from testing to allergy treatment, which is beneficial for a number of reasons. As a provider, offering multiple treatment options will add front-end value to your allergy testing, as a patient may be more likely to begin the process if they are offered such flexibility.
Most importantly, it allows them to pick the modality of allergen immunotherapy that best fits their preferences and lifestyle, giving them the best chance at a compliant, successful treatment.
That said, which method is best for them will depend on which factors they value more. Here are some key points to keep in mind as you, the provider, share in the decision-making with your allergy patient.
| Allergy Shots* | Allergy Drops** | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection | Drops under the tongue | |
| Frequency | Every other day and, eventually, twice weekly | Daily | |
| FDA-Approved | Yes | No | |
| Storage | Refrigeration | Room temperature- No refrigeration needed | |
| Office visits first year | 9 | 11 | |
| Covered by insurance | Yes, by most | No | |
| Symptom improvement? | 6-12 months | 3-6 months | |
| Treats for | Up to 20 allergens | Up to 10 allergens | |
| Common side effects | Red, itchy wheal at site of injection | Oral itching and/or swelling | |
* Based on our proprietary allergy shots protocol
**Based on the Allergy Allay Drops™ protocol